Reports 2

At the Prime Minister's request, Elliot has been appointed the Government's Special Representative on the Gleneagles Dialogue. His role will be to engage parliamentarians of the world’s major energy using countries, to strengthen and push forward the climate change dialogue agreed at the Gleneagles G8 summit last summer.

Elliot will be working through the GLOBE Legislators Dialogue - an international network of parliamentarians which is shadowing and re-enforcing the Gleneagles dialogue. He will take part in their international meetings and work with Parliaments and Legislative Bodies.

Environment Secretary David Miliband said: “ Elliot will add weight to the government's international team. His immense knowledge of and background in the issues of climate change will be invaluable.”

Text Box: Many constituents have written to me regarding appeals against NICE decisions to withdraw approval for drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and I have made representations on their behalf. Nice is independent of the government. The Appeal Panel met on 13 and 14 July 2006 to consider an appeal against the Guidance to the NHS on the use of various drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately the appeal was not upheld. Once an appeal has been turned down there is no mechanism for further appeal within NICE. However, the decision of the Appeal Panel and NICE’s decision to issue the guidance can be challenged by interested groups through a High Court application for judicial review. This must be made within three months of the decision or the issuing of the guidance. I understand that claims have been made by some interested parties that there were "a number of clear errors during the NICE appeal process" and that application for a judicial review by the drug companies and other focus groups is being seriously considered. As you have access to the internet, you may be interested to read the Appeal Panel reports which can be accessed on the NICE website by typing “alzheimer’s” into the site search.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Hats off to Hatfield

International Role for Elliot

Formally opened by Elliot in his capacity as a local MP and Defra Minister, Hatfield Moor National Nature Reserve now covers nearly 29 square kilometres – making the Humberhead Peatlands National Nature Reserve one of the largest in England.

Elliot is enthusiastic about the site, its special wildlife, its great potential as an international and national flagship for conservation and the benefits that it could bring for local communities.

Elliot presented a plaque to mark the occasion.

For details on access to Hatfield Moor visit:

www.english-nature.org.uk